And just when you thought I’ve fallen off the face of the earth…
Here I am!!
And I still have my big belly, bursting at the seams.
I’m 39 weeks along now – so exciting!
Okay, so I’m still pregnant and getting bigger by the day. I’m 39 weeks now. Just one more week until this baby is due to arrive! My belly feels very heavy some days, and then other days I feel perfectly fine with a lot of energy. So on the days I have energy, I get a lot done. And on the days that I don’t, I only do the bare minimum around here, which does NOT include cooking, laundry or cleaning of any sort. I basically go straight from the car (because that is my “have to” — taking the kids to and from various events) right into bed, onto the couch, or into the bath. The rest (the cooking, the laundry, the cleaning) is on the kids. And yes, they complain. But for the most part, they have really been doing a great job. Avery and Alex have taken on the cooking duty. Avery made breaded chicken breasts and baked potatoes the other night, without any assistance from me. I only told her what to do from my bed. Not too bad for a 12 year old. And Alex made spaghetti and meatballs last night. As far as cleaning up the kitchen after meals, I have Alex, Avery, A.J. and Aislynn on that duty. All four of them, ages 13, 12, 10 and 8, work together to clean up after meals. My older three are rarely home to help because they all have jobs outside the home. So it’s the younger six that have been my main helpers. (well, Andrew and Aria try to help, but they make more of the messes than they do help.)You might be wondering…where is your husband? Well, lately he is working so much at the fire station. Back to back overtimes have kept him at work for up to 4 days in a row, then he’ll be home for one day, then back to work for another 4 days in a row, and so on. It has been like this for the past few weeks. Although we miss him and I could really use his help right now, this is a good thing that he’s working so much at this time. All of this overtime will allow him to take 3 to 4 weeks off once the baby is born.
My midwife, who will be assisting us with our home birth and who has helped with our last 3 births, will be out of town this weekend. I’m really trying not to go into labor until she gets back! I would hate for her to miss this birth. Actually, I’m hoping to go a little past my due date. The perfect delivery date for ME would be June 2nd. I have so much going on until then with kids’ end-of-the-school-year activities and performances, the main one being Afton’s senior prom. I just have to be there for that — to help her get ready, to take pictures of her and her friends — it’s a big day. So let’s hope I can keep this baby inside until June 2nd.
I’m still working in Andrew’s Kindergarten class once a week. Here is Andrew standing by the sunflowers that they are growing in cups. He will get to take his home soon and plant it in our garden. I really enjoy working in his classroom and spending time with the kids. They are all so much fun! I swear, I could have been Kindergarten teacher. It’s funny how life is. I could have gone one route: college, a degree in teaching, and then a career teaching Kindergarten. But instead I chose another route: mom to TEN and no time whatsoever to work outside the home. Don’t get me wrong. I have NO regrets on the route I chose. But sometimes I wonder what life would have been like had I chosen another route. I guess we all think things like that, right?
Aria’s preschool had a Mommy & Me Tea event right around Mother’s Day. It was so sweet! They sang songs for us, and then we had a special “tea time” and had cake and juice together. The tables were all decorated, and the children made their moms special cards and gifts. Ah, I just LOVE being a mommy!
And here’s me again. I keep taking photos of my belly because it’s going to be gone very soon! And I know I’m going to miss it! I will. So I’m taking lots of pictures of it. I just love having these phones with cameras built into them! Technology is so great right now. It makes it so easy just to snap a picture anywhere.
These two have their own beds, but every morning I find them sleeping like this.
The 13 year old and the 6 year old.
I love it. Brotherly love.
Aislynn made this for me for Mother’s Day.
It’s supposed to be me.
It IS me. I love it.
This four year old dresses up everyday. On this day she is wearing her Little Orphan Annie costume. Well, actually…the wig is for a Brave costume (she was Merida last Halloween) and the dress? Well that dress was made back in January 1997 by my grandmother. She made this dress for Audriana’s 4th birthday. And now Aria is wearing it. I love that.
Avery’s 12th Birthday Party was a hit! We rented out a roller rink and she invited her friends to come skate for a few hours. It was SO much fun, and I was only bummed that I could not skate myself. I would have…but the rules of the place said no pregnant mother could skate. Bummer!
Well, I’m going to end it here. Sorry for all the time that’s passed between blog posts, but I’ve just not been all that into it lately. I’m busy running kids around, and in my spare time trying to get things organized for the baby’s arrival. I’m in my “nesting” mode right now! Things are getting washed (all the baby clothing, crib bedding and blankets) and organized (my bedroom, where he will spend 90% of his time in the first few weeks) and putting things together (we just put up the crib!) and all that good stuff that comes right before a baby does!
What a beautiful family and wow can your girl draw! That seems very advanced for her age?!
Good to hear that you are all well and that the pregnancy is going smoothly for you! Can’t wait for the next blog post – fresh baby pictures I’m guessing??
!!
I’ve been checking daily, to see if you’ve updated. So happy to see such beautiful pictures of you,and your gorgeous children. I love how you capture your family in words and pictures. You have a real talent in both areas. I’m hoping that your little one can wait till June 2nd, to make his appearance. He is one lucky little boy, to be born into such a wonderful family. Looking forward to your next update.
Wow, Your daughter made a beautiful pic of you. Really enjoyed reading your post. You look great. I would love to have a homebirth. I have not been able to as I’m high risk. Getting my 17P shots now, to stop my preterm labor. I will be checking back for updates and pray for you a safe and healthy delivery and baby. Look forward to seeing pics and reading your birth story.
Aislynn’s drawing is amazing for someone of her age! Really well done! And you look fantastic! You have more energy at 39 weeks pregnant than I do, well… ever!
I can’t wait to the see the newborn pics right after you have him. You look wonderful and you look so happy! This is such a glorious time! Waiting.
Glad to hear you are doing well. Here’s hoping #10 waits til June 2nd. Wishing you rest and peace.
Thanks for the update…
I see when you have 9 it is impossible to have spoiled brats even if you wanted to spoil them, actually it seems they are all “spoiled” in a good way.
Wow! You look great! Best wishes for a healthy
and safe delivery. ( of course it will be, your an old pro!)
Donna, NY
So excited for you, Hooray for birth days!!
Good luck in your last days Katrina.
Greetings from the Netherlands